Stihl vs Husqvana

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I'm in the process right now of looking for property in that part of the state or a retirement cabin. Anything in the mountains from Lincoln west.
We almost settled in Eureka. Ran into issues and ended up in suburbia right outside Whitefish. Beautiful country! Trees are a lot easier to cut.
 
We almost settled in Eureka. Ran into issues and ended up in suburbia right outside Whitefish. Beautiful country! Trees are a lot easier to cut.
Yea, all the wood in Montana to me is gopher wood after having grown up cutting oak, maple, Hickory, etc
The Whitefish are is beautiful, but unfortunately half of Cali and Portland thinks so to. I'm looking for a bit smaller out of the way place to enjoy the scenery when I am done making gasoline and diesel for fun and profit.
 
Yea, all the wood in Montana to me is gopher wood after having grown up cutting oak, maple, Hickory, etc
The Whitefish are is beautiful, but unfortunately half of Cali and Portland thinks so to. I'm looking for a bit smaller out of the way place to enjoy the scenery when I am done making gasoline and diesel for fun and profit.
Funny you mention half of California and Portland. 50% of the reason I left.
 
Years back I walked in a shop and asked to have my saw tuned. They asked what's it doing (like they also do) and I said nothing, I thought I'd just have you check it out to makse sure its still in tune. They sent me out the door with the saw and thought I was crazy for asking to have a perfectly fine running saw tuned without any issues. I never bothered again and only take them in when I notice them acting up.

Oh my 550 (first gen) is just a fart can. I've already hijacked enough threads complaining about it lol. I'll try another dealer. Back pre-auto tune, I would have walked out of the shop and had my 346 running like a top again though, just saying. ;)

Yeah, the weather changes day to day in southern Ohio. If you're not tuning the saw at least when you pick it up in the morning, it's not going to be tuned properly. And nine times out of ten, you have to retune by mid day. No offense to you, sir, but you simply don't know how a properly tuned saw should sound/run. I'm not surprised about what the shop guys said, they likely don't even know how to tune a saw.[emoji3577]
 
Yeah, the weather changes day to day in southern Ohio. If you're not tuning the saw at least when you pick it up in the morning, it's not going to be tuned properly. And nine times out of ten, you have to retune by mid day. No offense to you, sir, but you simply don't know how a properly tuned saw should sound/run. I'm not surprised about what the shop guys said, they likely don't even know how to tune a saw.[emoji3577]
No offense taken. You're very correct. I've never tuned a chainsaw, nor do I know how, nor do I have such the desire. I've never heard a chainsaw I've run in my life, sound any different at all from day to day or during the day. They sound the same and they seem to be cutting the same all throughout the day, weeks and even years lol until of course they don't, they bog in the cut or poor idle or something and of course I notice that and I take them in and it's back to normal. I've never noticed anything you're speaking of there. Not because I'm claiming it's not happening, just that I sure can't hear or see any changes like that, be it an aborist saw up the tree or a 70 cc on the ground. Each saw sounds very different of course, but I don't notice any of them changing tones or slowing in the cut during the day or anything like that.

In your case, I'd probably love autotune then, so I didn't have to suffer such hassles. I wonder if it's because I'm just basically always at sea level or something, or I really just don't know any different? I've never heard of such thing working at any tree services I've worked at either though. No one at any of the tree services I've worked with over the years stop and tune their saws and I never heard or saw their saws changing tones, pitch or bogging in the cut either. However, always at sea level also. I dunno. You're telling me things I've never heard of before, I know this and I've been an aborist over 20 years. Not that, that means I know anything about how chainsaws operate though. I just use them. The shops always fix them for me, but with husky saw's, I'm not in too often even at that.......knock on wood. ;)
 
No offense taken. You're very correct. I've never tuned a chainsaw, nor do I know how, nor do I have such the desire. I've never heard a chainsaw I've run in my life, sound any different at all from day to day or during the day. They sound the same and they seem to be cutting the same all throughout the day, weeks and even years lol until of course they don't, they bog in the cut or poor idle or something and of course I notice that and I take them in and it's back to normal. I've never noticed anything you're speaking of there. Not because I'm claiming it's not happening, just that I sure can't hear or see any changes like that, be it an aborist saw up the tree or a 70 cc on the ground. Each saw sounds very different of course, but I don't notice any of them changing tones or slowing in the cut during the day or anything like that.

In your case, I'd probably love autotune then, so I didn't have to suffer such hassles. I wonder if it's because I'm just basically always at sea level or something, or I really just don't know any different? I've never heard of such thing working at any tree services I've worked at either though. No one at any of the tree services I've worked with over the years stop and tune their saws and I never heard or saw their saws changing tones, pitch or bogging in the cut either. However, always at sea level also. I dunno. You're telling me things I've never heard of before, I know this and I've been an aborist over 20 years. Not that, that means I know anything about how chainsaws operate though. I just use them. The shops always fix them for me, but with husky saw's, I'm not in too often even at that.......knock on wood. ;)
I'm betting on "not knowing any different".
I would also add that most techs at dealerships do not know their ass from a hole in the wall. They are basicly parts changers with a little dose of reading a manual. It's a shame really as trouble shooting a saw is pretty damn easy.
I suppose there is no motivation to become competant because their is no money in it.
 
No offense taken. You're very correct. I've never tuned a chainsaw, nor do I know how, nor do I have such the desire. I've never heard a chainsaw I've run in my life, sound any different at all from day to day or during the day. They sound the same and they seem to be cutting the same all throughout the day, weeks and even years lol until of course they don't, they bog in the cut or poor idle or something and of course I notice that and I take them in and it's back to normal. I've never noticed anything you're speaking of there. Not because I'm claiming it's not happening, just that I sure can't hear or see any changes like that, be it an aborist saw up the tree or a 70 cc on the ground. Each saw sounds very different of course, but I don't notice any of them changing tones or slowing in the cut during the day or anything like that.

In your case, I'd probably love autotune then, so I didn't have to suffer such hassles. I wonder if it's because I'm just basically always at sea level or something, or I really just don't know any different? I've never heard of such thing working at any tree services I've worked at either though. No one at any of the tree services I've worked with over the years stop and tune their saws and I never heard or saw their saws changing tones, pitch or bogging in the cut either. However, always at sea level also. I dunno. You're telling me things I've never heard of before, I know this and I've been an aborist over 20 years. Not that, that means I know anything about how chainsaws operate though. I just use them. The shops always fix them for me, but with husky saw's, I'm not in too often even at that.......knock on wood. ;)
A chainsaw is a tool, if it works, it must be fine. That how many think. A carburetor is essentially bumb, it has no real ability to adjust for changes in air densities. Because of this, if the carb isn't adjusted regularly, the saw will be running pig rich sometimes and lean other times, and every not and thin I bet you think, man, for some reason my saws running real well today.

I'm no arborist and never will be, I'm an engine guy at heart, that also cut and at one time sold a lot of firewood.

I've done quite a bet of maintenance for a couple local tree companies. There equipment is always totally trashed and they always have issues, often time thay can be fixed with the turn of a screwdriver. It happens all the time. Learning to tune as saw is a basic skill for anyone who operates a saw for a living in IMHO.[emoji3577]
 
Yeah, no. I don't ever notice any of my saws suddenly running better one day vs the other. If one was running rich, you would think I'd smell it and see it smoking or something. My eyesight isn't too good without glasses anymore, I never could smell all that great lol but I can smell an engine running rich for sure, my hearing is very good. Always wearing hearing protection. If the chipper is going, I probably ain't paying too much attention to chainsaw noise though lol. I dunno. I don't seem to be encountering the issues you are with my saws. Of course a couple are autotune now anyway. Now the 550's tune I sure as heck can tell ain't no good! hahaha. It's fine after it's running for 15-20 seconds though. Runs like an old school saw once it's done farting (I suspect this is some sort of electronic issue with the new age auto tune carb though, nothing I'm doing wrong lol).
Are you running good grade fuel, properly mixed and everything? Is it particularly dusty where you live? Just throwing some ideas out there.
 
I'm not encountering problems, I just know how to keep a saw tuned properly. You clearly do not understand the concept of more air molecules in dense cold air, less in warm, humidity has an effect too. To obtain proper air fuel ratio, you must adjust the jetting manually. This is why Mtronic and AT saws, and all electronic fuel metering systems exist. These systems have sensors that monitor the environment and fuel mixture, and adjust accordingly. Some systems are more complex than others.

If your 550 is only acting up when it's cold, that's pretty much how they all run cold, it just needs to be warmed up before you go crazy.
 
The 260 has always been a dog. A very reliable dog mind you once you have an adjustable carb on it. However its not in the same league as a 346 and definitely not in the same league as a 550xp.
If a 260 runs as well as most 026'S I ran, i would have to say you are exaggerating. I have used a few 346's a fair amount, recently bought a Mk 2 550xpg with higher expectations based on similar comments . If a 550xpg or 346xp was a whole league higher they would be wearing bigger bars and chains. The 026 does some things better that I like. The 2 Husqvarnas are a bit faster and smoother, with better air cleaner. I find 026's more compact , feel lighter, they handle better for me, stand upright when set on the ground to move brush, even though they are not very snappy they have a broad comfortable power band to work with.
 
Except for the circumstances that 88s and 3120s were made for ie real big timber
Small saws always seem to cut better until you reach capacity. That’s what a lot of people don’t get when they say stuff about their 70cc saws out-cutting 90cc or 100cc. Sure a 3120 feels like a dog in firewood but there’s hardly another choice when you have to run a really long bar.
 
Professional arborist definitely aren’t the last word I’m taking care of a saws and make it last… or tuning. It all boils down to the individual. I’ma saw nerd first and a “tree-work guy” second.
 
I'm not encountering problems, I just know how to keep a saw tuned properly. You clearly do not understand the concept of more air molecules in dense cold air, less in warm, humidity has an effect too. To obtain proper air fuel ratio, you must adjust the jetting manually. This is why Mtronic and AT saws, and all electronic fuel metering systems exist. These systems have sensors that monitor the environment and fuel mixture, and adjust accordingly. Some systems are more complex than others.

If your 550 is only acting up when it's cold, that's pretty much how they all run cold, it just needs to be warmed up before you go crazy.
Of course I don't. That's what I'm saying. I'm a tree guy, not a saw guy. :D

Well you would think if my old school saws were not in tune or constantly changing tune during the day and if I'm understanding you correctly, possibly even hour to hour, or at least morning to afternoon, once I got a couple autotune saws (now that I've had a couple for a couple years now) I would stop and think, wow this things so much more consistent running...... but I don't notice any difference. If my old school saws were running "pig rich" You'd think I smell that wouldn't you? Wouldn't it be smoking some too if that were the case? Why would I put up and ignore such issues if that were happening? No way. I buy husky so I don't have to deal with such things. I would sooner think you're running too rich of a mix or your carbs are just shot. I've never heard of a saw needing adjustment all day like your describing. No way, I'd deal with that. I always run 50:1 Stihl HP ultra and my top ends last for years and years. I have literally no such tuning changing during the day, nor have I ever had any with any saw I've run. Some old junkers, sure. Not modern, new ones though.

Oh, there's obviously something wrong with my 550. I've been running saws for at least 30 years and professionally for over 20, I do know you have to wait for a cold saw to run lol I'm not "that" ignorant about saws. Perhaps not much more knowledge than that, but I'm aware of that part. I may not work on them, but I've come to have a pretty good understanding on working with them. ;)

This one thinks and acts like it's cold basically, if you let it set for 10-15 mins, even if you just ran it for hours on a warm day. Needs to be choked again and if you so much as look at it funny, will stall until at least 15 seconds. I've got to just take it to someone else to have looked at. It's not anything I'm doing wrong with it lol. My autotune T540 just works the same exact way my old school saws do.
 
Of course I don't. That's what I'm saying. I'm a tree guy, not a saw guy. :D

Well you would think if my old school saws were not in tune or constantly changing tune during the day and if I'm understanding you correctly, possibly even hour to hour, or at least morning to afternoon, once I got a couple autotune saws (now that I've had a couple for a couple years now) I would stop and think, wow this things so much more consistent running...... but I don't notice any difference. If my old school saws were running "pig rich" You'd think I smell that wouldn't you? Wouldn't it be smoking some too if that were the case? Why would I put up and ignore such issues if that were happening? No way. I buy husky so I don't have to deal with such things. I would sooner think you're running too rich of a mix or your carbs are just shot. I've never heard of a saw needing adjustment all day like your describing. No way, I'd deal with that. I always run 50:1 Stihl HP ultra and my top ends last for years and years. I have literally no such tuning changing during the day, nor have I ever had any with any saw I've run. Some old junkers, sure. Not modern, new ones though.

Oh, there's obviously something wrong with my 550. I've been running saws for at least 30 years and professionally for over 20, I do know you have to wait for a cold saw to run lol I'm not "that" ignorant about saws. Perhaps not much more knowledge than that, but I'm aware of that part. I may not work on them, but I've come to have a pretty good understanding on working with them. ;)

This one thinks and acts like it's cold basically, if you let it set for 10-15 mins, even if you just ran it for hours on a warm day. Needs to be choked again and if you so much as look at it funny, will stall until at least 15 seconds. I've got to just take it to someone else to have looked at. It's not anything I'm doing wrong with it lol. My autotune T540 just works the same exact way my old school saws do.
I will say I have to flip the high idle on my 550 to restart it anytime, hot or cold. My older huskies with the one switch on off choke were the same even though they were carb.
 
The 550 is a POS, they all act that way, every one of them. The 562 is better in this regard, unless it's really hot out, they will vapor lock and won't start until they cool down. The 572 behaves like a properly tuned saw, and so far, the 592 does as well. I have not encountered any issues with any Mtronic saws.
 
A guy could "tune a saw properly" or go cut some wood and get paid. Maybe both! Either way it aint rocket surgery, its three screws and there is not much to it. Some people like to fiddle, or worry about the machinery burning up, but if you are cutting for money and get five years out of a saw, that seems like plenty or maybe you should raise your prices.
 
Billings.
Well from the ages of 8-16 I was a Custer County cowboy in the 60's ... then the Aussie's came over and moved a couple ranchers (like 15,000+ acres places with cattle to QLD) a couple were best mates. I got the bug and went after USN and ORNG. Made a decision to return in '16 to family farm here in OR but plan on going back.
 
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